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Important Terms to Know About Archaeologists

Archaeologists study human activity through artifacts, cultural landscapes, architecture and biofacts. Thought to be both a science and a humanity, archaeology is a branch of anthropology. Archaeologists typically study their craft through lab analysis and on-site digs for fossils, relics and artifacts that may give them some insight into human history. Read up on these important terms about archaeologists:

Biofact: Also known as an ecofact, this is an item found at an archaeological site that provides evidence of human life. Bones, wooden roof beams and plant seeds are all examples of biofacts. These items are useful to humans in the form of food, shelter and clothing.

Anthropology: The study of humanity involving characteristics of human experiences and interactions. It encompasses physiology, evolutionary origins, social and cultural organizations, and individual and collective human experiences. With roots in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, anthropology is a Greek term meaning humankind.

Humanities: The study of the human condition, including literature, history, religion, language and social science. Humanists are the scholars who study the humanities, which also include music, linguistics, cultural studies, anthropology and communication.

Archaeological Record: Physical evidence about the past, specifically concerned with documenting and interpreting the past. Many objects are found at an archaeological site, such as artifacts, structures, plant and animal remains, and even garbage.

Stratigraphy: A branch of geology concerned with rock layers and layering, which is referred to as stratification. It also involves the study of sedimentary and layered volcanic rocks, with two subfields including lithologic stratigraphy and biologic stratigraphy.

If you own a construction company that has recently discovered archaeological evidence, then you might need to find a group of archaeologists who can begin expeditions immediately so that you can resume your project without waiting a long time for them to dig for new historic evidence. Archaeologists are scientists who study fossils and history so that they can present an accurate perspective of the past that uses science. This often involves studying human history, fossils from extinct animals, and relics of civilizations that are no longer active. You can find many archaeologists in your online directory, but you might have to start by looking under local universities and colleges that have archeology departments. While there are independent archaeology companies that can study the remains of the past that you have uncovered, it is often less expensive to contact a college and ask them to dig. This will help them teach students how to search for evidence of life and other research that might be pertinent to their students. When you contact the scientists, you should ask them if they have researched in the area before. Even an archaeologist that is located in your city might never have participated in research expeditions there because many concentrate on archaeology, artifacts, and other science evidence that is located on other continents. If the scientists are interested in your find, then you should ask them if they have time to come to your location and look for historically significant evidence like fossils and building relics so that you can resume your project quickly.